CD Reviews

I wore out the tape. Why can't I find it on CD?

Oddjob | Mansfield, Mass., USA | 02/13/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In what may be one of the smoothest, most rhythmical protest-driven comebacks ever, Harry Belafonte slid back into the musical spotlight with this 1988 album. His voice roughened by the years, he uses it to great effect on passionate vignettes into South Africa in the Apartheid era.

Don't expect the vintage Harry's steel drums and calypso-- this is more often synth and guitar-driven world pop.

Track listing:1. We Are The WaveA joyous, uptempo opener in praise of people power: Apartheid and oppression are the rocks, and we are the waves, washing them into sand.

2. Paradise In GazankuluA cynical portrayal of life under someone else's thumb.

3. Skin To Skin (duet w. Jennifer Warnes)A love song.

4. AmandlaSounds like a simple song of longing for unfound love, until you realize that Amadla is Xhosa for power.

5. Kwela (Listen To The Man)Sarcastic humor with a popping, uptempo feel

6. Monday To MondayAbout working in the mines far from home.

7. Global CarnivalA party song for when we are all free

8. CapetownA love song to a city.

9. Sisiwami (Sweet Sister)About how it feels to watch a beautiful woman dance. And maybe more than that.